Mention a national park vacation, and many of us imagine a family loading up the minivan for a multiweek adventure over the summer holidays. And while summer may be a lovely time to explore many of these national treasures, there are some parks that hold another sort of promise during winter. Parks with climates that are less than ideal in summer--such as the Everglades or Death Valley--are still warm enough in winter to cure cold-weather blues. Others plagued by high-season crowds, like Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Yosemite, transform into sparsely populated wonderlands for outdoor activity. Here is one of Mother Nature's choicest winter hideaways--Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. (For other great national parks to visit in winter, click on the following links: California's Death Valley and Yosemite, Arizona's Grand Canyon, Wyoming's Yellowstone, New Mexico's Carlsbad Caverns, Florida's Everglades, and St. Thomas and St. John's US Virgin Islands.)

HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK: Just as the Eskimos have many words for snow, the Hawaiians have many words for lava--and kids can learn them all at this fiery national park, where you can literally watch the earth being built. Although Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes are very active (if you're lucky, you'll see steam and a burst of sand from lava running into the ocean), they're also safe to visit. The landscape is otherworldly. On a drive around the crater of Kilauea, you can walk past lava flows and into a 500-foot lava tube, even check out molds of "lava trees" left by flowing magma. Nearby, you can wander through a rain forest full of tropical birds (bring good rain gear--it can be wet). Visitation here is highest in February, but it's never too crowded, and you can usually get a free camping spot. The only hotel in the park is Volcano House (808-967-7321), right on the edge of the caldera, with an excellent restaurant and access to the crater trails (rates are $95 to $185 for a room; kids under 12 stay free). Nearby, the rustic Namakani Paio cabins rent for $40 per day. Park entry is $10 per car. Call 808-985-6000.

Daytime temperatures: 60s to 70s at the summit, 80s to 90s at the beach in nearby Hilo.
Best bet for family fun: Taking your time on the 11-mile Crater Rim Drive.

Rani M. Arbo is a frequent contributor to FAMILYFUN.

For more information on this and other national parks, click here.

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated August 2005.